Pressed-metal switch



Oct. 22, 1929. c. H. HODGKINS PRESSED METAL swx'rcn Filed Dec. 22, 1919 5Sheets-Sheet 1 lNVENTOR Char/es h. Hadg/fl'ns.

WITNESSES:

Oct. 22, 1929. c HODGKlNs 1,732,750

PRES SED METAL SWITCH Filed Dec. 22, 1919 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 WITNESSES: INVENTOR 0 a W 62 6! Char/es/i/mdyI/h;

Oct. 22, 1929. c. H. HODGKINS PRESSED METAL SWITCH Filed D80. 22, 1919 5 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR Char/e s H Hody/r/ns.

/ ATTORNEY WITNESSES: 4am

Oct. 22, 1929. c. H. HODGKINS PRESSED METAL SWITCH Filed D80. 22, 1919 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR WITNESSES:

ATTORNEY Oct. 22, 1929. H. HODGKINS 1,732,750

PRESSED METAL symca Filed Dec. 22, 1919 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 WITNESSES: INVENTOR CharVes/ihodg/rms.

BY 2 g MATTQRNEY Patented Oct. 22, 1929 PATENT OFFICE CHARLES H. HODGKINS, OF PITTSBURGH,

PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO WESTING- HOUSE ELECTRIC '&;MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A. CORPORATION OF PENNSYL- VANIA Application filed December 22, 1919. Serial No. 346,661.

My invention relates to switching devices and particularly to electromagnetically-operable contactors such as are adapted foruse in connection with control systems for industrial apparatus.

, One object I new and improved form of switch that shall be of simple and inexpensive construction.

Anotherobject of my invention is to provide a switch of a type that shall embody members which are interchangeable in a large group of switches having different numbers of cooperating contact members. A com plete series of switches may, therefore, be constructed from a relatively smallvariety of parts.

A further object of-my invention is to provide a device for latching the armature, of an electromagnetic contactor, in its open or unenergized position.v

Experience has taught that it is desirable to so construct magnet contactors thatthe moving parts will be of minimum weight in order that precision and quickness of operation may be insured.

According to my invention, I provide an electromagnetic contactor, the moving parts and framework of which are constructed from relatively thin sheet material, preferably pressed metal, andin such manner, as to insure maximum strength and lightness of weight, together with an inexpensive method of construction and reliable operating characteristics.

Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings is a side elevational view of an electromagnetic contactor having a single pair of cooperating contact members; Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the device shown in Fig. 1; and Fig.

4e 3 to Fig.10, inclusive, are detail views, shown in elevation, plan, and development, of various members embodied in the structure of the contactor illustrated in Fig.1.

Fig. 11 is a View, partially in section and partially in elevation, with the arc shield removed, of a form of contactor embodying my v invention and having two pairs of cooperating contact members, and Fig. 12 is a front elevational view of the structure shown in Fig. 11. Figs. 13 and 1a, are respectively,

of my invention is to provide a rnEssED-MErAL swrrcn side elevational and front elevational views of the armature of the contactor shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 15 is a side elevational view, and Fig. 16 is a front elevational View, of the contact-supporting members shown in Fi 11.

Fig. 17 is a side elevational view, with one are shield removed, of a two-way electromagnetic contactor having a pair of forward and a pair of reverse contact members, and Fig. 18 is a front elevational View of the device shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 19 to Fig. 24, inclusive, are detail views of portions of the structure illustrated in Fig. 17.

Fig. 25 is a side elevational view, with one are shield removed, of a two-way electromagnectic contactor having two pairs of cooperating contact members for one position and one pair of back contact members cooperating in the other position. Fig. 26 is a front elevational view of-the contactor shown in Fig. 25.

Referring particularly to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2

of the drawings, the electromagnetic contactor there illustrated comprises a bracket 1, of substantially L-shape, that is mounted on a base 2 and is provided with an' arm 3 for supporting coil 4, and a pair of upwardly bent flanges 5 that support an armature memher 6. The armature member 6 has a movwhen the contactor is opened; A latching device 10 is mounted on the base 2 and is adapted to securely position the armature member 6 when coil 4 is tie-energized.

Fig. 3 of the drawings is a side elevational view, and Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of the bracket 1. A development of the bracket 1 is shown in plan view in Fig. 5.

The bracket 1 is preferably constructed from pressed metal by bending the bracket to substantially L-shapeto provide the base portion or arm 3 and the arm that is provided with the armature-supporting and magneticflux distribution flanges 5. he flanges 5 are provided with pivotal openings 11 Wl'llCh are.

swaged to provide a greater bearing surface for a pivotal support than would be afforded by the mere thickness of the sheet metal of which the bracket is constructed. A pin 12 pivotally supports the armature member 6 on the bracket 1.

A flange 13 is bent outwardly and disposed intermediate flanges in such manner that it may engage a plate 14 of the electromagnet and thereby position the magnet coil 4 relative to the bracket 1. The flange 13'has a threaded opening 15 that is adapted to receive a screw 16 to secure plate 14 to flange 13 and. which also constitutes means for positioning and seating a spring 17. One of the flanges 5 is provided with a threaded opening 18 which is adapted to receive a screw 19.

The electromagnet is mounted on the base 2 and bracket arm 3 by means of an assembly bolt 20 which extends through the base 2 and opening 21 in the arm 3 of bracket 1 and engages the core member 22. The coil 4 has terminal members 23 by means of which the electromagnet' is energized.

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view, and Fig. 7 is a front elevational view. of the armature member 6. Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of a development of the armature member.

Armature member 6 has a box-like portion 24 that is formed by bending depending magnetic flanges 25 in such manner that they interfit with magnetic flanges 5 and are mounted thereon by means of the pin 12. Each of the flanges 25 is provided with a swaged bushing 26 of non-magnetic material which prevents sticking of the armature member by reason of the magnetic attraction of the interfitting flanges 5 and 25. The-bushing 26 also increases the bearing surface for the pin 12 and positions the armature member between the supporting flanges 5 of the bracket 1. The intermediate portion-24 of the armature member 6 has end portions 27 and 28 that are disposed in angular relation. The end portion 27 is offset from the intermediate portion 24 and is provided with a pair of upwardly extending flanges 29 in which a support 30 for the movable contact member 7 is pivotally mounted. by means of a pin 31. The portion intermediate the offset end portion 27 and the box-like portion 24 has a spring seat 32 of insulating material which provides means for positioning and seating a spring 33 which is interposed between seat 32 and the contact support 30. The spring 33 is adapted to bias contact member 7 to operative relation with stationary contact member 8. The insulating seat 32 prevents electrical current traversing the spring 33 even though the connecting lead to the contactor becomes broken.

The end portion 28 of the armature is provided with an adjustable stop member 34, which is adapted to engage the bracket 1 in positioned by means of the screw 16. The

spring 17 maintains the armature member 6 inits open position when the voltage applied to the electromagnet coil 4 is of a value that is too low to properly close the switch. The spring 17 also serves to stabilize the switch when the same is subjected to a rolling motion, such as that applied to installations on ships.

The stationary is contact member 8 mounted on the base 2 by means of a support.

37 and a bolt 38, which also constitutes a terminal for the contact member 8. The support 37 for the stationary contact member is constructed. from an extruded section or from sheet material by bending the same in the manner shown in Fig. 9, which is aside elevational view of the support 37. Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of support 37.

The are shield 9, which may be of any suitable construction comprises ablowout coil 39, one terminal of which is electrically connected to the terminal bolt 38 and the other terminal of which is connected to a supporting yoke 40 which has a terminal member 41. The shield 9 is secured to the yoke 40 by means of a bolt 42 which positions the are shield in such manner that cooperating contacts 7 and 8 are partially enclosed, and constitues a'magnetic core member for blow-out coil 39.

The latching device 10 is pivotally mounted on the base 2 by means of a support 43 and is biased to engagement with the end piece 28 of the armature member 6, by means of a spring 44 that is seated in an indentation in base 2. The latch 10 has an armature portion 45 that'is adapted to be attracted to the bracket 1 when the electromagnet coil 4 is energized. When the electromagnet coil 4 is not energized, the latch 10 occupies the .position shown in the broken lines on the drawing.

Electrical connection is established to the movable contact member 7 by means of a terminal bolt 46 which engages a threaded opening in the bracket 1, and a flexible cable 48 that is connected to the support 30 by means of a terminal member 49 and to the bracket 1 by means of a terminal 50 and screw 19. v

If it is assumed that the electron'iagnet coil 4 ol the contactor shown in the Fig. 1 of the drawings is energized, the contactor will occupy the position illustrated in the drawing. Armature member 6 is attracted to the core member of the electromagnet, and this action compresses the spring 33 to bias contact member 7 to engage contact member 8 when the switch is closed. Spring 17 opposes the attraction of the armature member to the electromagnet and tends to force the switchopen.

The armature portion45 of the latching device 10 is attracted to. the bracket 1 and is .held in the position shown in solid lines in actuated to its open position by the springs 33 and 17, both" of which tend toopen the switch. The stop 34 engages bracket 1 to limit the degree of opening of the contactor. Since the armature portion 45 ofthe latching device 10 is no longer attracted to the bracket 1, the notched portion of the latch will engage the end piece 24 of the armature member and secure the armature in its open position.

When the electromagnet40 is again energized, the armature portion 45 of the latching device 10 will be attracted to the bracket 1 and will release the end portion 24 of the armature, and permit the same to close. The spring 44 opposes the attraction of the armature portion 45 to the bracket 1 and biasses the notched portion of the latching device to engagement with the end portion 24 of the armature.

Referring particularly to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 of the drawings. the contactor there shown comprises a base portion 2 on which the electromagnet coil 4, bracket 1, and the. stationary contact support 37 for thecontact 8 are mounted. Since these members are similar, in every detail. to the members shown and described in relation to Fig. 1 and Fi 2 of the drawings, they are similarlynumbered.

The armature member 51 ofethe elcctromagnet shown int Fig. 11 is provided with two pairs of cooperating contact members 7 and 8. A pair of contact supports 52 and 53 are mounted on an insulating rod 54 and are severallyadapted to support contact members 7 which cooperate with stationary contact members 8.

Fig, 13 is a side elevational view, and Fig. 14 is a front elevational view of armature member 51. The insulating rod 54 is secured tothe offset portion 55 of the armature member 51 by means of a plate 56 and a/plurality of rivets 57.

The contact support 52 is similar to the support 53 and is shown in side elevational port 52 comprises a pair of flanges 58 that are bent inwardly to. receive the pivotally the seat 32 for spring 33 is secured. The contact support 52 is also provided with an out wardly extending flange 61 which is secured,

to the insulating rod 54 by means of a plate 62 and rivets 63. A flexible cable 48 electrically connects each of the movable contact members 7 to a terminal bolt 64.

The contactor shown in Fi 11 and Fig. 12 is very similar in its details to the contactor shown in Fig. 1 and Fig.2 of the drawings. The only substantial change in the operating structure that is necesary in order to provide two pairs of cooperating contacts, in lieu of the single pair of cooperating contact members shown in Fig. 1, is the omission of the fianged portion 29 of the armature member 6 shown in Fig. 1 and the provision of openings for receiving the rivets 57.

Thecontactor shown in Figs. 17 and 18 of the drawings, to which particular reference is now made, comprisesa pair of electromagnets that are mounted on the base 2 and are supported by a bracket 64 which has a pair of inwardly bent flanges 65 that pivotally support an armature member 66. The armature member 66 has two positions to which it is actuated by the corresponding electromagnet. In'one position, contactor 67 is closed and, in the other position, contactor 68 is closed.

Fig. 19 of the drawings is a side elevational View of the bracket 64; Fig. 20is a top plan view of the bracket,- and Fig. 21 is a development of the sheet material from which the bracket 64 is formed. The base portion 69 of the bracket has openings 70 through which assembly bolts 20 extend, and a threaded opening 71 that is adapted to receive terminal bolt 72. Each of the inwardly bent flanges 65 is provided with a swaged pivotal opening 73 which is adapted to receive a pin 74 by means of which the armature member 66 is mounted on the bracket 64.

The armature member 66 is shown in detail in Fig. 22, which is a side elevational view, and in Fig. 23, which is a front elevational view thereof. Fig. 24 is a development of the sheet material from which the armature member 66 is formed.

An intermediate portion 75 of the armature member is provided with a pair of depending flanges 76 which interfit with the flanges 65 of the bracket 64' and each of which is rovided with a swaged opening 77 that is a apted to receive the pin 74 and to position the armature member intermediate flanges 65. The intermediate portion 7 5 has outwardly extending end-portions 78 which are disposed in angular relation, are offset from the intermediate portion 7 5 and are respectively provided with inwardly bent pairs of flanges 7 9 that are severally adapted to receive contact supports 30. Spring seats the bracket 64' and provide means for con-' ducting current to the respective contactors.

Switches of this general type have two positions, one corresponding to the energization of each electromagnet, and are generally adapted for use in systems in which it is necessary to effect a quick change from one set of contacts, corresponding to one circuit relation, to another set of contacts, corresponding to another circuit relation.

Referring particularly to Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 of the drawings, the switch there shown comprises two pairs of cooperating contact members 80 that are'mounted on the armature member 81 and which replace the single contactor 67 shown in Fig. 17. The pair of contactors 80 are similar, in every detail. to the corresponding contactors shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 of the drawings and it is, therefore, deemed unnecessary to further describe the same.

The armature member 81 is provided with an ofl'set end portion 82 on which the insulating rod 54 and the pair of contact supports 52 and 53 are mounted. The method of securing the insulating rod 54 to the armature member 81 is the same as that shown and described in relation to Fig. 11, and the parts are correspondingly numbered. The remaining end portion 83 is provided with a single pair of cooperating contactors which correspond to contactors 68 of the switch shown in Fig.17.

The interchangeability of the various parts entering into the manufacture of thetypes of contactors herein illustrated and described is of material importance, since a large variety of types of contactors may be constructed from a relatively small variety of parts. For instance, the type of electromagnet employed in the manufacture of the contactor shown in Fig. 1 may be used throughout the series of contactors. The armature member 6 shown in Fig. 1 requires a very simple change to adapt it forum in the contactors shown in Fig. 11. The movable contact support and its associated spring and spring seat are the same for the entire series of switches. The armature member 66 of the contactor shown in Fig. 17 requires but slight modification to adapt it for use in the type of switch illustrated in Fig. 25.

By forming the various parts entering into the construction of the contactor from relatively light-weight pressed metal. a particularly light-weight switch is provided which has adequate strength and desirable electrical and magnetic characteristics. 'The commercial advantages of such a structure are particularly apparent when it is considered that the light-weight movable parts of the switch act more quickly and withgreater precision than similar parts of greater weight.

The simple method of bending the portions which constitute the armature member, the bracket and the stationary contact support of the various switches insures an inexpensive structure which may be constructed by the ordinary shop methods.

By swaging the pivotal mounting for the bracket and providing non-magnetic bushings for the armature, greater bearing surfaces are, provided, and the respective members are positively positioned without the use of separate gaskets and the like.

The latching device 10 secures the arma: ture member in its open position and thereby prevents the closure of the switch by reason of, accidental contact with the movable parts. The feature is particularly desirable where the switches are to be installed on ships and the like because of rolling motion of the ship tends to close contactors when the same are de-energized and not latched in position.

Although I have illustrated and described the most preferred forms of contactors constructed in accordance with my invention, various changes may obviously be made in the size and relation of the respective parts to provide a more extensive variety of contactors than that therein indicated, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be imposed as are indicated by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. The combination, with an electromagnet, of a pressed-metal bracket adapted to seat said electromagnet and provided. with armature-supporting magnetic flanges, an integral armature member of relatively thin material having an intermediate box-like magnetic portion pivoted to said flanges and provided with off set end portions, said end portions being adapted to cooperate with said electromagnet and a contact member mounted on one of said end portions, the other of said end portions being adapted to limit the movement of said armature.

2. In a. switching device. the combination with an electromagnet, of a pressed-metal bracket having an arm for supporting said electromagnet from below and an armaturesupporting flange, an armature member of pressed metal pivotally mounted on .said flange and having outwardly-extending end portions, said end portions being disposed in angular relation to'each other. one of said .end portions adapted to limit the movement ofsaid armature member and the other of said end portions being provided with outwardly-bent flanges, a contact member pivotally mounted in said flanges, andxa spring seated intermediate said end portions and engaging said contact member 3. n a switching device, the combination with an electromagnet, of a pressed-metal bracket of general L-shape one arm of which constitutes a support for said electromagnet and the other arm of which is positioned adjacent said electromagnet and is provided with a pair of outwardly-bent supporting flanges and an outwardly-bent, flange positioned intermediate said supporting flanges and adapted to position said electromagnet, and an armature member of pressed metal provided with side portions interfitting with and pivoted to said supporting flanges and a contact-supporting portion which co-acts with said electromagnet, resilient means seated on said intermediate flange and disposed intermediate said armature side portions and adapted to bias said armature member from engagement with said electromaget, a contact member pivotally mounted on said contact-supporting portion, and resilient means seated on said armature for positioning said contact member.

4. In a switching device, the combination with an electromagnet, of a pressed-metal bracket of angular shape one arm of which supports said electromagnet and a second arm of which is provided with outwardlybent bracing flanges and an outwardly-bent flange disposed intermediate said bracing flanges and adapted to position said electromagnet, and armature member having depending flanges interfitting with, and pivoted to said bracing flanges, and resilient means seated on said intermediate flange and positioned intermediate the depending flanges of said armature and adapted to bias said armature from engagement with said electromagnet.

5. In a switching device, the combination with an electromagnet, of a pressed-metal bracket of angular shape disposed adjacent to the sides of said electromagnet and provided with outwardly-bent armature-supporting flanges and an outwardly-bent flange intermediate said armature -supporting flanges and adapted to position said electromagnet coil, auarmature member of pressed metal provided with inwardly-bent depending flanges which constitute a box-like portion and which cooperate with, and are pivotally connected to, the armature-supporting flanges of said bracket, and resilient means disposed in said box-like portion and engaging said bracket to bias said armature to 1ts open position.

6. In a switclnng device, the combination with a pressed-metal bracket of general L- shape, one arm of which constitutes a support for said electromagnet from below and the other arm of which is positioned adjacent to said electromagnet and has outwardlybent bracing flanges, an armature member of pressed metal having an intermediate portion and outwardly-extending end portions, said end portions being disposed in angular relation to each other and said intermediate portion being provided with depending flanges interfitting with, and pivoted to, the

flanges of said bracket, each of said end portions being offset from said intermediate portion and provided at its extremity with outwardly projecting flanges, a pair of contact members pivotally mounted in the respective outwardly-bent flanges, and a latching device adapted to latch said armature in position when said electromagnet is de-energized.

7. In a switching device, the combination with a pressed-metal bracket of general L- shape, one arm of which constitutes a support for said electromagnet from below and the other arm of which is positioned adjacent to said electromagnet and has outwardlybent bracing flanges, an armature member of pressed metal having an intermediate portion and outwardly extending end portions, said end portions being disposed in angular relation thereto and said intermediate portion being provided with depending flanges interfitting with, and pivoted to, the flanges of said bracket, one of said end portions being offset from said intermediate portion and provided at its extremity with outwardly-extending flanges, the other of said end portions being adapted to limit the movement of said armature member, a latching device adapted to engage said end portion to latch said armature member in its open position, and adapted to release said armature member when said electromagnet is energized.

8. In a switching device, thecombination with an electromagnet, a bracket having an arm for supporting said electromagnet and an armature-supporting arm, an armature member, and a pin adapted to pivotally mount said armature on the second-named arm, of a non-magnetic bushing'interposed between said armature member and said 'pin.

9. In a switching device, the combination with an electromagnet, a bracket, an armature I118IllbEI,'SllCl bracket and said armature member severally constituting portions of a magnetic path for said electromagnet, and a pin for pivotally mounting said armature member 'on said bracket, of a non-magnetic CHARLES H. HODGKINS. 

